Row in UK over suggestion of more stop and searches of blacks

Reacting to a suggestion made by Keith Jarrett, the president of the National Black Police Association, that there should be increased use of the controversial policing strategy across all communities, anti-racism campaigners said it could have a negative effect on the black community itself.

Milena Buyum, co-ordinator of the National Assembly Against Racism, was quoted by The Scotsman as saying that “It risks alienating black communities further, and is not a very effective way of catching people who are likely to commit offences.”

Jarrett, a serving police officer in London, however, maintains that there is no change in policy.

“I am merely reflecting what community members have been saying to me up and down the country in the last few months,” he emphasised.

Buyum counters by saying that “Stop and search is disproportionate against black people and using it more would have an adverse effect. (ANI)